Just a Love Fool

Love*Fool is the latest production from the North Light Theatre. It’s a modern-esque adaptation of William Shakespeare's "A midsummer night's dream”. Modern-esque because it’s set in the 1990's and is filled with musical breaks which include songs anywhere from Celine Dion to Chumbhawumba, and everywhere else in between.

“It’s a big, bright and colourful musical designed for the entire family. Entertaining for all ages,” Director Matt McLean said with a laugh.

McLean, said the Shakespeare classic and the 90’s seem to go hand-in-hand.

“We got the idea to switch ‘A midsummer night’s dream’ into the 90’s because it seemed to fit in with the era so nicely,” McLean who also portrayed the “Puck” character said. “The songs really complemented the feel of the show that we wanted to go for.”

The 23-year-old said the entire group was equally involved with the production thanks in part to their creativity, which helped maintain the image McLean’s company goes for: A light-hearted, family friendly show.

The song selection process was done very carefully according to McLean, who said each song was chosen to amplify the situation.

“‘Bottome’ is a bit of a rowdy guy,” McLean said of one of the play’s characters. “Using him in the show with that song (Tubthumping by Chumbawumba). The songs seem to fit the characters and how the intentions were supposed to be.”

“It’s so rare that you get to see such a family-friendly show, with such a talented cast.”

Andrea Solski played the role of Helena. She’s a seasoned actress, having graduated from the Theatre Arts program at Canadore College.

“It’s so fun and refreshing to work with people who are new at the whole acting thing, Clifford Hummel (Who played Lysander) has never done any acting before Love*Fool and completely blows my mind every time he’s up there.” Solski said looking enthusiastic after finishing her first performance of the week.

Solski said working with rookie performers is much different than what she was used to at Canadore.

“It’s a lot more laid-back” Solski said of the show, comparing it to Rep21. “We all get to really just fool around and throw in our own input.”

“A lot of the funny moments in the play blossomed out of little jokes we played on each other during rehearsal.”

You can catch Love*Fool at the Veritasse Café on Main St, Thursday through Saturday at 7pm. with a 2pm matinee on Saturday as well as Sunday at 5pm.